Do business in
New Zealand
Trusted by hundreds of cross-border businesses
Benefits
Why choose Commenda for your company expansion in the New Zealand
A one-stop shop for global companies setting up their NZ presence.
Register from anywhere in the world
Incorporate your business from anywhere in the world through our digital-first process.
Stay compliant, automatically
We help automate filings and compliance tasks, keeping your business up to date with GST, PAYE, corporate tax, ACC levies, and everything in-between.
International Tax Support
Ensure your New Zealand entity is plugged into the rest of your corporate structure with our AI-powered transfer pricing and withholding suite for Asia-Pacific operations.
Entity Types
Choose the right business structure for your company
Private Limited Company (Ltd)
- 100% foreign ownership permitted
- Only one shareholder and one director required (can be non-resident)
- No minimum capital requirement
- Director must comply with anti-money laundering (AML) checks
- Must register with IRD for tax purposes
- GST registration required if turnover > NZD 60,000
- Annual return and financial reporting obligations
Limited Partnership (LP)
- Limited liability for limited partners only (general partners have unlimited liability)
- Minimum of one general partner and one limited partner required
- No minimum capital requirement
- Limited partners cannot participate in management decisions
- Must register with Companies Office under Limited Partnerships Act 2008
- General partner must be New Zealand resident or have NZ registered office
- Annual return filing obligations with Companies Office
Got questions? Schedule a call with one of our experts
Choose a convenient time to chat with our incorporation experts and get the answers you need to expand with confidence.
Download your free Pre-Incorporation checklist
We’ve put together all of the documents and details you need to figure out before you open a company.
Frequently Asked Questions
New Zealand is globally recognized for its transparent business environment, straightforward legal framework, and ease of doing business. The country consistently ranks among the top in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business index due to its fast online company registration process, strong investor protections, and low compliance burden. With no capital gains tax, free trade agreements with key global markets, and a reputation for political and economic stability, New Zealand is an attractive jurisdiction for startups, international companies, and entrepreneurs looking for a trusted base of operations.
Commenda streamlines the entire incorporation process in New Zealand — from selecting the right company structure (such as a Limited Liability Company) to filing incorporation documents, appointing directors, and setting up compliance systems. We work directly with New Zealand’s Companies Office and partner legal professionals to ensure your business is registered quickly and in full compliance with local laws, while also advising on banking, taxation, and operational setup.
No, physical presence is not required. New Zealand’s company registration system is fully digital, allowing incorporation to be completed online. Commenda assists with remote onboarding, including digital documentation, director/shareholder registrations, and local registered office services. This enables you to establish your New Zealand company from anywhere in the world without needing to travel.
Once incorporated, your company must maintain annual returns with the New Zealand Companies Office, keep accurate accounting records, and comply with local tax requirements (including GST if applicable). At least one director must live in New Zealand or an enforcement country (like Australia). Commenda provides compliance management services to handle filings, tax registration, and ongoing legal obligations so your company remains in good standing.
Most incorporations in New Zealand can be completed within 1–3 business days, provided all required documentation is ready. Commenda coordinates with the Companies Office and service providers to ensure a smooth process, allowing you to focus on building and scaling your business without delays.
